Android Auto is Now Available on Your Phone

Whether you ride in the latest tech-laden new car or a more mature ride with a several hundred thousand miles on it, Google wants you to have a connected car sooner rather than later. So today they promised a new release of this Android Auto driver-friendly interface will soon be available on your Android phone (running 5.0 Lollipop or later).

Announcing the decision in a blog post, Android Auto Product Manager Gerhard Schobbe, stated, “Whether your phone is connected to a compatible car display, or placed in a car mount on the dashboard, Android Auto brings your favorite apps and services into one place, making them accessible in safer and seamless ways. You can bring your music with you with apps like Spotify, Pandora or Google Play Music, and make calls or send messages with hands-free voice commands. And of course, get turn-by-turn directions to your next destination with Google Maps.”

Google launched Android Auto two years ago with the goal to better integrate phones and cars, and give drivers an easier way to access the information they need. According to Schobbe, “There are now over 200 new car models supporting Android Auto offered from more than 50 brands”.

But given all of the cars that were not compatible or did not have a screen at all, Android Auto decided to release this less integrated version to Android (Lillipop or later) phone owners.

The latest version (2.0) with the phone screen experience will be rolling out in the coming days to more than 30 countries where Android Auto is currently available. On the Android Auto website you can sign up to receive an email alert when the update is available for your phone.

Android Auto is enhancing support for hands-free voice commands in the coming weeks, allowing you to access features like maps, music and messaging by just saying “Ok Google”. This update brings the ability to automatically start the app when the phone is paired with Bluetooth.

Android phone users can download that app at the Google Play store by following this link.

Doug Atkinson is a technology analyst and writer with a passion for the latest gear and gadgets. When he is not geeking out on gizmos at night, his day job is working at Solutions Review a collection of news websites tracking the latest developments in enterprise technology.